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Val Verde County to send joint letter opposing proposed border vehicle barrier and access roads
Summary
After local meetings, the court authorized a joint letter to federal officials expressing concern that proposed vehicle-barrier construction, access roads and bridge work near Seminole Canyon would cross county roads, damage infrastructure and split ranch properties; the court approved drafting and signing the letter.
Val Verde County Commissioners Court approved a motion to draft and send a joint letter to federal representatives detailing county concerns about proposed border vehicle barriers, associated access roads, and bridge construction.
County officials and commissioners described recent meetings with representatives about a proposed vehicle barrier and an associated bridge project near Seminole Canyon and Big Bend. Commissioners and attendees raised multiple concerns: the barrier and its access road could cross county roads, require heavy equipment that would damage roadways, and effectively split legacy ranch properties by placing lands on opposite sides of a barrier. One participant said many residents were not being informed about the plans and that some communities could be left "on the wrong side of the fence."
The court voted to have the county attorney prepare a letter outlining these concerns and requested that the judge and another commissioner co-sign it. The motion passed by voice vote. Commissioners also confirmed efforts to coordinate meetings with federal offices and congressional staff to seek more information and to invite representatives to inspect the affected areas.
After approving the letter, the court announced an upcoming executive-session discussion under sections of the Texas Government Code related to property acquisition, negotiated contracts and security matters.
Next steps: the county attorney will draft the letter for review, the judge will coordinate signatures, and staff will schedule follow-up meetings with federal representatives and congressional aides.
